Re: Client requests F900- Any tips on "selling them" on HDX-900?

George,

What happened to the dictum that "the client is always right?"

As far as "switching" what they want, if they specify HDCAM, that's usually what they want. It's because all their other elements are in that format or they own the deck to digitize it, or even some other illogical reason.

If they ask for Varicam, the switch to HDX900 is a no brainer, or vis versa. Sometimes I'm able to switch a Digibeta request to a high def format or even to XDCAM/IMX50, but the premise of your query is the reason I have both F900R and Varicams; yes in a large market you have to be able to supply what the customer wants. I believe that in regional markets like where you live there is more flexibility, as the other camera or format may not exist or be available because of limited resources, then your offer makes more sense, but you are obviously aware that the quality of the X900, with its' million pixel imager is not that of the F900R with twice as many pixels and a fatter recording format.

I'm afraid that there will be many HD formats in play for the foreseeable future and freelance owner/operators will have to decide how many cameras they'll maintain in their kit to service their client bases' requirements. Fortunately the lenses, monitors, test sets, da's, etc. are all interchangeable, so the only extra part is the additional camera body, and if it seems like it will last/be in favor for three or more years then it's quite possible to profit with owning it, but as you know, it's still a risky and expensive proposition.

JS